European Parliament calls on NATO allies to honor their commitment to Ukraine

USPA NEWS - In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 425 votes in favor, 38 against with 42 abstentions, the European Parliament stress that they expect that the Ukrainian “accession process will start after the war is over and be finalized as soon as possible.”

Until full membership is achieved, the EU and its member states, together with NATO allies and like-minded partners, must work closely with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees, MEPs say, which is to be implemented immediately after the war. Parliament emphasizes that Ukraine’s integration in both NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security and strengthen the bonds between Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic community.

MEPs condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka dam on June 6, which constitutes a war crime and has caused extensive flooding and created an environmental disaster as well as ecocide in Ukraine. All those responsible for war crimes, including the destruction of the dam, will be held accountable in line with international law, they add.

Finally, European Parliament reiterates its support for the European Council’s decision to grant Ukraine EU candidate status last year. MEPs express hope for a positive recommendation from the European Commission once Ukraine has successfully completed the seven steps set out in the Commission's opinion. They ask for a clear pathway for the start of accession negotiations, which, with enough support, could begin already this year.